Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 results

• What is a site assessment and what is the difference between a site assessment and a site investigation?

  The first step of the site assessment process is known as a preliminary assessment (PA). This assessment gathers historical and other readily available information on site conditions and surroundings to evaluate whether the site poses a potential threat to human health and the environment and/or whether further investigation is needed…

  • Last published: March 1, 2024

• Why hasn’t the Norwood Landfill Site been identified as a Superfund Site? Two nearby landfills, Folcroft and Clearview, which were established and in use at the same time as Norwood Landfill and Dump have both been designated as Superfund sites.

  EPA is still conducting its investigation of the Norwood Landfill Site to determine if it should be placed on the National Priorities List (NPL), or Superfund List. Thus far, the data collected has not demonstrated that the site warrants placement on the NPL. Both the Folcroft and Clearview Landfills went…

  • Last published: March 15, 2024

• How do the different parts of particulate matter (PM) fit together?

  The various parts of PM in the NEI are related as follows. PM10-FIL > PM25-FIL because PM10-FIL includes PM25-FIL PM25-PRI = PM25-FIL + PM-CON This equation only applies at the process level. Because some sources only can report PM2.5 (due to test method differences), this equation does not apply to…

  • Last published: April 17, 2024

• How does PM2.5 relate to PM species such as EC, OC, SO4, NO3, PMFINE, and DIESEL-PM25?

  Primary PM2.5 estimates are speciated into the five PM species in the NEI: elemental (black) carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), nitrate (NO3), sulfate (SO4), and the remainder of PM25-PRI (PMFINE). Diesel engine PM25-PRI and PM10 emissions are also labeled as DIESEL-PM25 and DIESEL-PM10 for mobile source diesel engines. For all…

  • Last published: April 17, 2024

• Why did EPA wait so long to begin its investigation of the Norwood Landfill and Old Norwood Dump?

  In the months leading up to the preliminary assessment, EPA gathered information on the property to determine whether a site investigation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) was warranted. EPA determined to proceed with an investigation and EPA began procuring contractor services to conduct the preliminary…

  • Last published: March 1, 2024

• Since asbestos was banned, do I need to be worried about products on the market today containing asbestos?

  On March 28, 2024, EPA issued a final rule prohibiting all ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only form of asbestos still manufactured (including imported), processed and distributed in the U.S. The final rule prohibitions are by specific use and phased-in over a period of months to several years, depending…

  • Last published: May 1, 2024

• What is the key question EPA tries to answer through a site investigation?
  
  

  Findings of the site investigation determine what hazardous substances may be present, whether they may be released to the environment, and any potential threat to human health. Information about the site that is collected in the preliminary assessment and site investigation phase helps EPA to evaluate the risks posed by…

  • Last published: March 4, 2024

• What is included in the emissions “Tiers”?

  The Tiers are assigned by a Source Classification Code (SCC), which has the most detail about the emissions processes that generate the emissions. The full list of SCCs, their associated Tiers, and the SCC descriptions is available online at https://ofmpub.epa.gov/sccwebservices/sccsearch/ .

  • Last published: March 18, 2024

• What does an annual emissions value in the NEI represent (one year or multiple years)?

  The NEI provides total annual emissions for a single year.

  • Last published: January 7, 2025

• What are the units of NEI emissions data?

  NEI emissions values represent total annual emissions for the inventory reporting year. Criteria air pollutants and precursors (CAPs) are reported in short tons per year , and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are reported in lbs per year .

  • Last published: January 7, 2025

• What is the definition of VOC?

  There is a regulatory definition of VOC. It is found in 40 CFR 51.100. CFR - code of federal regulations. The definition relates to the intent and requirements of the Clean Air Act. Excerpt from “Volatile Organic Compounds” Definition per 40 CFR Part 51.100(s): " Volatile organic compounds (VOC) means…

  • Last published: March 18, 2024

• What does "NEC" stand for in the emissions sectors?

  NEC means “not elsewhere classified” and includes SCCs that are not assigned to any of the other specific industrial process sectors. If you look at the SCC code table available at the SCC web site and filter on the Sector name that includes “NEC”, you can see the type of…

  • Last published: March 18, 2024

• What are the health risks if I have asbestos in my home, building, apartment, or school?

  Asbestos that is in good condition and left undisturbed is unlikely to present a health risk. The risks from asbestos occur when it is damaged or disturbed where asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled. Managing asbestos in place and maintaining it in good repair is often the best…

  • Last published: March 28, 2024